Getaway
Well-Known Member
- Oct 13, 2010
- 1,077
- Boat Info
- 1998 290DA Sundancer
Lowrance electronics, Fishhawk, Scotty Downriggers
BoatWheels Tri-Axle Trailer
- Engines
- Single big block 454 MPI Mercruiser engine and Bravo III outdrive.
Like Strecker said. If you want to fly up on plane and run 45 MPH everywhere you go, then twin 4.3's will not be for you. If you don't mind taking your time planing out and cruising at 28 mph, 4.3's are tough motors and will perform just fine.
We love our boat!! The best boating investment we ever made.
Here's a couple things to look for after owning mine for almost a year and a half (and a 268 for 10 years previous to this one):
1. Look for water leaks coming through the transom brackets and into the bilge. The Mercruiser outdrives will leak around the steering shaft pins. $1400-$1600 per lower unit to pull the motor and replace the pin and seal assembly. Ask me how I know..LOL.
2. Make sure the lower unit boots look good. No cracks or rips. They will also replace those when you have the steering pins and seals fixed.
3. Listen for gimbal bearing noise (howl or vibration in neutral). Inexpensive fix.
4. The way these boats are designed and built, it is hard to access some of the systems mid-ship. Poke your head down in there and look for leaks during your sea trial. Area's to look at are of course the bilge, but also inside the step going down into the cabin (storage area). There is a sump under there that catches and pumps out the shower water. It doesn't hurt to poke your head in there and look for water and leaks.
5. The Lazarette (trunk) leaks on all 290's every time it rains. It's annoying. Menards sells a strip of sticky sided seal in the screen door area that works well to seal that transom door.
6. Have a good survey done and do a sea trial to make sure it's the boat you want.
These are great boats. Have fun!
We love our boat!! The best boating investment we ever made.
Here's a couple things to look for after owning mine for almost a year and a half (and a 268 for 10 years previous to this one):
1. Look for water leaks coming through the transom brackets and into the bilge. The Mercruiser outdrives will leak around the steering shaft pins. $1400-$1600 per lower unit to pull the motor and replace the pin and seal assembly. Ask me how I know..LOL.
2. Make sure the lower unit boots look good. No cracks or rips. They will also replace those when you have the steering pins and seals fixed.
3. Listen for gimbal bearing noise (howl or vibration in neutral). Inexpensive fix.
4. The way these boats are designed and built, it is hard to access some of the systems mid-ship. Poke your head down in there and look for leaks during your sea trial. Area's to look at are of course the bilge, but also inside the step going down into the cabin (storage area). There is a sump under there that catches and pumps out the shower water. It doesn't hurt to poke your head in there and look for water and leaks.
5. The Lazarette (trunk) leaks on all 290's every time it rains. It's annoying. Menards sells a strip of sticky sided seal in the screen door area that works well to seal that transom door.
6. Have a good survey done and do a sea trial to make sure it's the boat you want.
These are great boats. Have fun!